Home > Home Solar Info > Choosing Solar Panels
The industry standard is that solar power companies will do the research for you, finding the best solar panel brands and models for your unique solar power system set up. On this page we discuss the specifics of solar panels, giving full access to the finer details.
More useful pages:
Learn the solar basics
How a grid-connected solar power system works
Solar panel prices
How many solar panels do I need?
How to choose the best solar panel installer
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In our view there is no one best solar panel, as different panels suit different people. There are only subtle differences between the solar panels that are brought in by good NZ wholesales (we only work with the best). Be wary of no brand-name panels sold on online market places.
Below we have listed quality, Tier 1 solar panels commonly sold in New Zealand, alongside important specifications (specs), so you can judge what solar panels are the best.
Brand | Model | Power | Efficiency Rating | Performance Warranty | Product Warranty | Dimensions (LxWxD) | Highlights |
REC | Alpha Pure R Series | 420W | 21.8% | 25 | 25 | 1730 x 1118 x 30 mm (1.93 m2) | -Lead free -Shade mitigation -92% guaranteed output @ 25 years |
REC | TwinPeak 5 Black Series | 400W | 20.3% | 25 | 25 | 1899 x 1040 x 30 mm (1.97 m2) | -Aesthetically pleasing full-black design -Dual-braced frame for improved strength |
Canadian Solar | Hiku | 370W | 20% | 25 | 25 | 1765 X 1048 X 35 mm (1.85m2) | -Better shading tolerance -Minimizes micro-crack impacts |
Canadian Solar | HiKu6 | 415W | 21.3% | 25 | 25 | 1722 ˣ 1134 ˣ 30 mm (1.95m2) | -Better shading tolerance -Minimizes micro-crack impacts |
Jinko | Tiger N-Type Mono-Facial All Black |
415W | 21.74% | 30 | 25 | 1855×1029×30mm (1.91m2) |
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Jinko | Tiger Neo N-Type All Black | 475W | 22.01% | 30 | 25 | 1903×1134×30mm (2.16m2) |
-Better light trapping and current collection to improve module power output and reliability. -High salt mist and ammonia resistance. |
Hyundai | HiE-S400UF | 400W | 21.3% | 25 | 25 | 1646×1140×35 mm (1.88m2) |
-Corrosion resistant -M3+ PERC Shingled Technology provides high efficiency with better performance in low irradiation |
Risen Energy | Risen RSM40-8-400MB/30 | 400W | 21.1% | 25 | 25 | 1754x1096x30 (1.92m2) | -Excellent performance under low solar radiation -High resistance to induced voltage degradation (PID) -Narrow positive power tolerance |
Trina | Vertex S Module All Black | 390W | 20.3% | 25 | 25 | 1754×1096×30 mm (1.92m2) | -Designed with aesthetics in mind -Thinner wires that appear all black at a distance |
Trina | Tallmax Monocrystalline Module | 445W | 20.4% | 25 | 12 | 2102 ×1040× 35 mm (2.19m2) | -Better anti-shading performance and lower operating temperature -Half-cut and MBB (Multi Busbar) technology |
LONGi | Hi-MO 4 | 370W | 20.3% | 25 | 12 | 1755x1038x35mm (1.82m2) | -Half-cut and MBB (Multi Busbar) technology |
Qcells | Q.TRON BLK M-G2+ SERIES | 425W | 21.8% | 25 | 25 | 1722 mm × 1134 mm × 30 mm (1.92m2) |
-Excellent low-light and temperature behaviour |
The 3 main types of solar panels are; monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film. Monocrystalline is the most sought after panels, while polycrystalline is following closely behind. With around 1% difference, monocrystalline is fractionally more
Because monocrystalline panels are more efficient, they generate more solar power within a smaller roof area. If limited space is available for solar panels consider monocrystalline solar panels. If there is ample roof space and the quote for polycrystalline panels is cheaper (than monocrystalline) then polycrystalline panels could be the better option.
Learn more about these 3 types of solar panels here.
Another solar panel decision you might come across is whether to install solar panels with whole cells or go with the newer half-cut solar cell technology. The two main benefits of half-cut solar cells is that they are more efficient and better at handling shade, but this normally comes at a price. Find out more about the benefits of half-cut solar technology here.
A highly efficient solar panel comes at a premium price; it's important to select the solar panel that is best suited to your
Efficiency rates calculate: how much of the sun's energy is being transformed into electricity as it makes contact with solar panels.
For example, the Jinko Tiger Neo panels, which are 475W, have an efficiency of 22.01%.
High-efficiency solar panels are the preferred option; with higher efficiency, they produce more power per meter square. Therefore, you require less roof space for panels, and other marginal benefits such as less mounting gear, less labour installing etc.
Here is a list of all the solar panels available in New Zealand and the efficiency of each.
Most solar panel manufacturers have 25-30 year performance warranties, suggesting the manufacturer is confident that their solar panels will last 25 years, if not longer. Solar panels also have a manufacturer's warranty (or product warranty) which is normally 12 to 25 years.
It is important to know how to claim warranties. For instance, a solar installation company that a buyer has purchased solar panels from might not be in operation in 15 years time. If this was the case, the next point of contact could be the New Zealand wholesaler of the solar panels, or the manufacturers themselves. Know who to talk to in the future with regard to your solar panels, the professionals are always there to help.
Household brands are a rarity when shopping for solar panels. These unfamiliar brands should be considered! Always research solar panel brands. Some of the best solar panels are of Chinese origin. We advise you to google the brand you have been quoted for, followed by the word 'review'. You may not find many New Zealand based solar panel reviews, however many websites have dedicated review sections in Australia and beyond.
Some of the best brands on the market include; REC, Yingli, Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, Hyundai, QCells, Canadian Solar and LONGi.
The solar power industry grades solar panels via the tier system.
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Want even more details of on solar panels? Ask solar installers for data sheets (if they haven't already sent them to you). On these
BIPV solar panels replaces conventional building materials such as roof tiles, skylights and glass windows.
Only a limited number of BIPV panels are currently installed in New Zealand (due to the substantial cost).
BIPV panels examples: Tesla's solar roof tiles, glass on glass solar panels and transparent solar glass.
Click here to view what BIPV materials are available in New Zealand.
The Zero Energy home in Auckland (pictured above) used solar tiles. Read more information here.
Above is an example of glass on glass solar panels a.k.a solar power skylights.